"Is the car ready?" she asked her manager in a serious tone.
"Yes, Miss Anderson," her manager replied in a low voice.
Isabella was annoyed with the team as they were late by an hour. Time was running out, and she needed to get to the airport. She stood up to leave just as the photographer entered the waiting room.
"Miss Anderson, we still need to take one more shot. It will only take ten minutes," he said in a pleading tone.
She gave him a stern look and said, "My scheduled time is over. I have to leave now."
"Miss Anderson, please, just ten minutes..." he pleaded again.
"If you and your team are late, it's not my problem. I have to go to the airport," she said firmly.
"Miss Anderson, I'm sorry for the delay. It was a family emergency. My father was admitted to the hospital last night, and I had to stay to pay bills and support my family."
Her heart softened upon hearing this. She changed her mind and said, "I'll give you ten minutes."
"Thank you, Miss Anderson," the photographer said, visibly relieved. It was his first shoot with a celebrity, and he completed it within fifteen minutes.
As the driver arrived to take her to the airport, Isabella sank into the car seat, exhausted from the long photoshoot. She was tired of posing and the monotonous routine. Deciding to rest until they reached the airport, she closed her eyes. Her manager, Richa, silently looked out the window, lost in thought.
Isabella had become a famous model within a year and a half, known for her hard work, sincerity, and dedication. While she appeared cold-hearted to many, her close ones knew she had a golden heart.
When the car arrived at the airport, Richa informed her, "Miss Anderson, we've reached the airport."
Isabella rubbed her face with her palms and looked outside. The driver opened the car door for her. Stepping out, she saw her fans and paparazzi waiting. She smiled and waved, despite being in a hurry.
"Sorry, guys, I'm in a rush. Next time, I'll sign for everyone," she told her fans, then walked towards the airport entrance.
At the check-in counter, the agent smiled and said, "Miss Isabella Anderson, your flight is ready. First class, row 14. Here is your boarding pass."
She smiled back. "Thank you," she said and headed to the boarding gate, ignoring the shouting paparazzi and fans.
Once on the plane, she found her seat and mumbled, "I wish I could fly like a bird. Waiting is the worst..."
An old lady sitting next to her chuckled. "You seem excited. Are you going to meet your boyfriend?"
Isabella's face turned serious. "No, and I don't waste my time on that stuff," she replied sternly. The old lady, taken aback, remained quiet.
Fastening her seatbelt, Isabella's phone rang. She quickly answered.
"Izzy… Did you board the flight?" her mother asked.
"Ugh, I missed my flight," Isabella lied, feeling mischievous.
"What?!" her mother exclaimed. "So you're not attending the award ceremony? He'll be so disappointed."
"Mom, calm down. I'm just kidding. I'm on the plane now. Everything is fine."
Her mother sighed in relief. "You really scared me. Your brother is so excited to see you. It's a big day for him."
"I know, Mom. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'll see you both soon," Isabella reassured her.
After hanging up, she leaned back, her thoughts drifting to the photographer. She was glad she'd given him the extra time. Sometimes, a little understanding could make a big difference.
The flight attendant offered her a drink, which she accepted with a smile. As the plane took off, she gazed out the window, feeling a sense of peace. The exhaustion began to fade as she anticipated the reunion with her family. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to drift into a light sleep, dreaming of the warm welcome awaiting her.